Step1
When reading, slow down! Let's keep in mind that the more we understand, the less we have to memorize. Do not just skim through the words, stop an think what is being said in your lectures.
Step2
Even better, instead of just reading words and phrases, imagine someone really IS asking or telling you something. You are more likely to pay more attention to an actual conversation, since you are mostly expected to reply back or give any kind of feedback.
Step3
If you happen to be studying a new language (whether computer codes, or otherwise)lectures are likely to provide exercises. Regardless how easy they seem to be, immerse yourself in these lessons, get involved and take them seriously. The more you skip, the more trivial your brain will consider anything else to be.
Step4
After each lesson read, stop and ask yourself some questions. What did they try to get across? How will this affect me in the long run? Get involved and consider these to be essential for your survival, whether they are or not.
Step5
Drink plenty of water, since your brain works best when satisfied with fluid. It is said that dehydration may decrease cognitive function, so keep those cells working hard for the money.
Step6
When reading, get involved in your own world. If you need to read aloud and talk to yourself, feel free to do so. Better yet, try explaining what you just learned to someone else, which will further work your brain as it becomes more active.
Step7
Listen to yourself. If you find yourself reading every other word in a lecture, stop and take a break. You will never learn more by trying to force more information than your brain can handle.
Step8
Learned something new? Well, it's time to act upon it. Apply what you learned to your everyday life, or any project you might have on your hands. Simply make sure that interaction remains a high priority.
Comments
Life-is-sweet said
on 2/9/2008 I love this, great tips! I'll try drinking more water when I read my textbooks! Oh, just one note: if I stop to think about what is being said in the lectures, then I'll miss the next point...
mgmt85 said
on 2/2/2008 These tips will help tremendously with my online classes in college. Thanks alot. There is some stuff here that I did not know before. Great article!!
psaysofavril said
on 1/19/2008 Wonderful tips. And diddo to CCrock.
MidniteWriter said
on 1/18/2008 I like all these tips, especially the water one. I think there's something to that. I read this because in my field I have to read a ton of articles, books and documentation. These steps will totally come in handy, thanks, you're a gem! 5 stars!!!
seashore said
on 1/8/2008 great article well said